Have you ever made a hotel reservation, only to discover upon your arrival that the place was a dump? This is all too common and can ruin your entire vacation. However, a decent hotel room should not cost an arm and a leg, either. For ways to find a great hotel for a reasonable price, continue reading.
Before you pick out your hotel you’re going to reserve a spot at, check out review sites online like TripAdvisor. Websites like TripAdvisor will give you some first-hand accounts of hotel experience from actual customers. What people say about their experiences at the hotels you’re thinking of booking can aid you in coming to the right decision.
Think about using room service if you want to enjoy late-night dining without needing to leave your hotel room. It may cost more, but it’s convenient when you don’t feel like leaving.
Check with any membership programs for deals. Some organizations offer discounts on hotels to their members. Some of these discounts can be pretty substantial, but many people don’t take advantage of them. When you’re staying for more than one night, this can add up to a decent savings. If you stay for a week, these discounts will almost add up for a free night.
Search online tools for hotels. These websites can help you quickly find great deals. They can also allow you to look at the average rates of a hotel. Finally, you can also use these to help you learn what there is to do when you get to your destination.
Know your check-in time in advance. If you don’t know you may end up waiting a long time. If you will be arriving early, call and ask if this is okay.
For the best hotel rates, plan your trip weeks or months ahead of time. Most hotels have serious discounts for early booking customers. This way, you can save as much as 50 percent even with the most elite brands.
Don’t assume a hotel is pet-friendly. So call ahead and make sure you understand if there are extra fees or a limited number of rooms available. Always ask about what exactly a pet-friendly policy entails, as there could still be limits on breeds and sizes.
If the hotel you stay at offers a couples massage, it is very important that you make an appointment well ahead of time. Experience a truly special moment with a top masseur or masseuse by asking for your appointment well in advance.
If you belong to AAA, see what kinds of discounts the hotel offers. You might be surprised to learn that your membership to the auto club also includes discounts on hotels. You can save up to an additional five percent at certain hotels throughout the country. It really is a savings that adds up over time.
If you want to get your daily runs in while on vacation, make sure to bring your running gear with you. Go for a run when you wake up in the morning. Even jogging on pavement and alongside city avenues can provide you new perspective of any city that you visit.
If you go out to travel quite a bit, it’s good to get signed up for a hotel’s loyalty program. They have benefits for those who frequently stay at a hotel. You can get a free upgrade, restaurant gift certificates or even a free stay!
If you often stay at a certain type of hotel, ask about the “frequent stay” program. These hotel programs give you points for each stay. These points can be used to earn free nights, discounts and more.
Green Hotels
Try out a green vacation. Fortunately, many green hotels exist nowadays. Certain hotels provide green rooms, and in fact, some are even certified as green hotels. Other older hotels will just provide green options for you. Ask your booking agent about green hotels.
You should always find out how much hotel transfers will cost before you book a room. Hidden transfer costs can really make a room not worth it. Asking before you arrive can really increase your overall savings.
When checking your hotel accommodations for bed bugs, begin in the bathroom. This is the place where you are least likely to find them. That makes it the perfect place to store your luggage while you inspect the rest of the premises for bedbugs. It’s also a safe spot for kids and pets to sit for a bit too.
See what the pet policy is at the hotel. If you fear pets or have allergies to them, make reservations at hotels that have a strict no pets policy. Hotels that allow pets typically have rooms that have a pet odor in them. There may be an extra fee to have a pet stay. The fee may cover totally or partially the cost of the extra cleaning involved.
Having read this article completely, you now know how to find the perfect hotel without overpaying. Over time, finding great hotel bargains will become faster and easier because you’ll know where exactly to look and what you’re looking for. Be sure to keep these tips in mind.